Dell Networking N2000 Series · Dell Networking N2000 Series Switch Configuration Guide for EqualLogic SANs Dell Storage Engineering May 2014 [email protected]

Dell Networking N2000 Series Switch Configuration Guide for EqualLogic SANs

Dell Storage Engineering May 2014

[email protected]

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2 SCG1015 Dell Networking N2000 Series Configuration Guide

Revisions

Date Description

May 2014 Initial release

© 2014 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material in any manner whatsoever without the express

written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. For more information, contact Dell.

Dell, the Dell logo, and the Dell badge, EqualLogic, and Force10 are trademarks of Dell Inc.


Table of contents Revisions ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 2

1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................ 4

1.1 Audience ........................................................................................................................................................................... 4

1.2 Switch details ................................................................................................................................................................... 4

1.3 Cabling diagram .............................................................................................................................................................. 5

2 Dell recommended switch configuration ............................................................................................................................. 6

2.1 Hardware configuration ................................................................................................................................................. 6

2.2 Delete startup configuration ......................................................................................................................................... 6

2.3 Configure out-of-band management port (Optional) ............................................................................................. 8

2.4 HTTP and Telnet authentication .................................................................................................................................. 8

2.5 Enable iSCSI optimization feature ................................................................................................................................ 9

2.6 Enable flow control ........................................................................................................................................................ 9

2.7 Configure Jumbo MTU for all ports .......................................................................................................................... 10

2.8 Configure spanning tree portfast on edge ports..................................................................................................... 10

2.9 Configure 10GbE ports for LAG ................................................................................................................................. 10

2.10 Save configuration ........................................................................................................................................................ 10

2.11 Configure additional switch ......................................................................................................................................... 11

3 Stack configuration (optional) ............................................................................................................................................... 12

3.1 Configure out-of-band management port (Optional) ........................................................................................... 14

3.2 HTTP and Telnet authentication ................................................................................................................................ 14

3.3 Enable iSCSI optimization feature .............................................................................................................................. 15

3.4 Enable flow control ...................................................................................................................................................... 15

3.5 Configure Jumbo MTU for all ports .......................................................................................................................... 16

3.6 Configure spanning tree portfast on edge ports..................................................................................................... 16

3.7 Save configuration ........................................................................................................................................................ 16

Additional resources ....................................................................................................................................................................... 17


1 Introduction This document illustrates how to configure Dell™ Networking N2000 Series switches for use with

EqualLogic™ PS Series storage using Dell best practices. The recommended configuration uses link

aggregation groups (LAGs) for inter-switch connections.

If you are following the Rapid EqualLogic Configuration steps at

http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/storage/w/wiki/3615.rapid-equallogic-configuration-portal-

by-sis.aspx, use sections 1 and 2 from this guide for LAG, or sections 1 and 3 from this guide for stack

configuration.

For more information on EqualLogic SAN design recommendations, see the EqualLogic Configuration

Guide at: http://en.community.dell.com/dell-

groups/dtcmedia/m/mediagallery/19852516/download.aspx.

1.1 Audience This switch configuration guide describes an optimal configuration following Dell best practices for an

EqualLogic iSCSI SAN and is intended for storage or network administrators and deployment personnel.

1.2 Switch details The table below provides an overview of the switch configuration.

Table 1 Switch specifications

Dell Networking N2000 Series

Switch vendor Dell

Switch model Dell Networking N2000 series – N2024, N2048

Switch firmware 6.0.1.3 and later

Note: For proper functionality, the switch must be at the switch firmware version shown in the table

above before proceeding with this configuration. Using previous firmware versions may have

unpredictable results.

The latest firmware updates and documentation can be found at: support.dell.com.

http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/storage/w/wiki/3615.rapid-equallogic-configuration-portal-by-sis.aspx

http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/storage/w/wiki/3615.rapid-equallogic-configuration-portal-by-sis.aspx

http://en.community.dell.com/dell-groups/dtcmedia/m/mediagallery/19852516/download.aspx


http://www.force10networks.com/


1.3 Cabling diagram The cabling diagram shown below represents the Dell recommend method for deploying your servers and

EqualLogic arrays.

Figure 1 Cabling diagram


2 Dell recommended switch configuration These steps show you how to configure two Dell Networking N2000 switches with a Link Aggregation

Group (LAG). The switches are interconnected using the fixed 10GbE SFP+ module on the front and the

LAG is configured for Dynamic Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP).

2.1 Hardware configuration 1. Power on the two switches.

2. Connect a serial cable to the serial port of the first switch.

3. Using any terminal utility, open a serial connection session to the switch.

4. Open your terminal emulator and configure it to use the serial port (usually COM1, but this may

vary depending on your system). Configure serial communications for 9600,N,8,1 and no flow

control.

5. Connect the optical cables between the fixed 10GbE module on the front of the N2000 switches.

See this configuration in Figure 1.

2.2 Delete startup configuration

Note: All configuration settings will be deleted

console>enable

console#reload

Are you sure you want to reload the stack? (y/n) y

Note: The switch will reboot.

Follow the prompts shown below when the Main Menu is displayed during the bootup process.

Dell Networking Boot Options

============================

Select a menu option within 3 seconds or the Operational Code will start

automatically...

1 - Start Operational Code

2 - Display Boot Menu

Select (1, 2)# 2

Boot Main Menu

==============



2 - Select Baud Rate

3 - Retrieve Logs

4 - Load New Operational Code

5 - Display Operational Code Details

9 - Reboot

10 - Restore Configuration to Factory Defaults

11 - Activate Backup Image

12 - Start Password Recovery

Enter choice number 10.

Are sure you want to Erase Current Configuration? (Y/N): Y

Erasing Current Configuration...done.

Boot Main Menu

==============



3 - Retrieve Logs



9 - Reboot




Enter choice number 9 and the system will reboot. Wait for the following prompt:

Would you like to run the setup wizard (you must answer this question within 60

seconds)? [Y/N] N


2.3 Configure out-of-band management port (Optional) This section will configure a 1GbE port to be used as a dedicated out-of-band (OOB) management port. It

is recommended to perform this step. If you skip this step, then all configuration and monitoring must be

performed via the serial ports.

Note: In the configuration below, Vlan 50 is used for management. Use any valid non-default vlan in your

setup. The IP address provided should be accessible from your management system (and not connected

to the SAN). The switch port used in this configuration should be connected to a LAN or management

network.

console>enable

console#configure

console(config)#vlan 50

console(config-vlan50)#exit

console(config)#interface vlan 50

console(config-if-vlan50)#ip address ipaddress mask

console(config-if-vlan50)#exit

console(config)#interface gigabitethernet 1/0/port number

console(config-if-Gi1/0/port number)#switchport access vlan 50

console(config-if-Gi1/0/port number)#exit

Note: If your management system is in the same subnet as the switch, omit the step below.

console(config)#ip default-gateway gateway

Warning! Notice! The configured default gateway will not take effect until an

interface belonging to the same subnet as the configured Gateway is created and

activated.

console(config)#exit

2.4 HTTP and Telnet authentication console#configure

console(config)#line telnet

console(config-telnet)#login authentication default


console(config-telnet)#exit

console(config)#ip http authentication local

console(config)#username admin password yourpassword privilege 15

console(config)#enable password yourpassword

2.5 Enable iSCSI optimization feature This feature, enabled by default, is activated only when EqualLogic arrays are detected, however, Dell

recommends manually configuring these steps too. This feature, when enabled automatically, performs

the following:

Configures jumbo frames to 9216 on all ports.

Disables unicast storm.

Enables spanning tree portfast on ports connected to EqualLogic arrays.

Configures flow control on all ports.

Note: Spanning tree portfast must be manually configured for host facing ports. Refer to Section 2.8.

console#configure

console(config)#iscsi enable

Enabling iSCSI Optimization will enable Flow Control which may cause all the

interfaces to temporarily go down.

Are you sure you want to continue? (y/n) y


2.6 Enable flow control

Note: If iSCSI optimization is enabled, flow control is automatically configured on all switch ports upon

detection of an EqualLogic Array. Dell recommends also manually configuring this step.

console#configure

console(config)#flowcontrol receive on

This operation may take a few minutes.

Management interfaces will not be available during this time.

Are you sure you want to continue? (y/n)y



2.7 Configure Jumbo MTU for all ports



console(config)#system jumbo mtu 9216


2.8 Configure spanning tree portfast on edge ports

Note: If iSCSI optimization is enabled, spanning tree portfast is automatically configured on ports

connected to EqualLogic arrays. These manual steps must be performed on switch ports connected to

hosts servers.

console#configure

console(config)#interface range gigabitethernet all

console(config-if)#spanning-tree portfast

console(config-if)#exit

2.9 Configure 10GbE ports for LAG These commands assign the two fixed 10GbE SFP+ ports on the front of the switch to the Port Channel.

console(config)#interface range tengigabitethernet 1/0/1-2

console(config-if)#no spanning-tree portfast

console(config-if)#channel-group 1 mode active



2.10 Save configuration console#copy running-config startup-config



Are you sure you want to save? (y/n)y


2.11 Configure additional switch Repeat the commands from Section 2 to configure the second switch.

Note: The preceding procedure places all switch ports in the default VLAN. If you prefer to place ports in

a non-default VLAN, refer to the documentation for your switch.


3 Stack configuration (optional)

Note: If you already completed Section 2 you are finished. If you wish to use a stack configuration

instead of LAG, follow the instructions below instead of Section 2.

Note: One advantage of stacked switches is that they can be managed as a single switch; however

firmware updates will update and reboot all members of the stack simultaneously and therefore should

only be done during planned downtime.

1. Connect the cables between the stacked switches. (Stacking ports are on the rear side of the

switch).

2. On both switches, type the following commands to clear the current configuration:

console>enable

console#reload

Are you sure you want to reload the stack? (y/n) y

Note: The switch will reboot.

Follow the prompts shown below when the Main Menu is displayed during the bootup process.

Dell Networking Boot Options

============================

Select a menu option within 3 seconds or the Operational Code will start

automatically...


2 - Display Boot Menu

Select (1, 2)# 2

Boot Main Menu

==============



3 - Retrieve Logs




9 - Reboot




Enter choice number 10.

Are sure you want to Erase Current Configuration? (Y/N): Y

Erasing Current Configuration...done.

Boot Main Menu

==============



3 - Retrieve Logs



9 - Reboot




Enter choice number 9 and the system will reboot. Wait for the following prompt:

Would you like to run the setup wizard (you must answer this question within 60

seconds)? [Y/N] N

Note: All remaining configuration must be done from the switch designated as master. To determine

which switch is the master unit, check the Master LED located on the front of each switch.


3.1 Configure out-of-band management port (Optional) This section configures a 1GbE port to be used as a dedicated out-of-band management port. It is

recommended to perform this step. If you skip this step, then all configuration and monitoring must be

performed through the serial ports.

Note: In the configuration below, Vlan 50 is used for management. Use any valid non-default vlan in your

setup. The IP address provided should be accessible from your management system (and not connected

to the SAN). The switch port used in this configuration should be connected to a LAN or management

network.

console>enable

console#configure

console(config)#vlan 50

console(config-vlan50)#exit

console(config)#interface vlan 50

console(config-if-vlan50)#ip address ipaddress mask

console(config-if-vlan50)#exit

console(config)#interface gigabitethernet 1/0/port number

console(config-if-Gi1/0/port number)#switchport access vlan 50

console(config-if-Gi1/0/port number)#exit

Note: If your management system is in the same subnet as the switch then omit the step below.

console(config)#ip default-gateway gateway

Warning! Notice! The configured default gateway will not take effect until an

interface belonging to the same subnet as the configured Gateway is created and

activated.


3.2 HTTP and Telnet authentication console>enable

console#config

console(config)#line telnet


console(config-telnet)#login authentication default

console(config-telnet)#exit

console(config)#ip http authentication local

console(config)#username admin password yourpassword privilege 15

console(config)#enable password yourpassword

3.3 Enable iSCSI optimization feature This feature, enabled by default, is activated when EqualLogic arrays are detected, however, Dell

recommends manually configuring these steps too. It automatically performs the following:

Configures jumbo frames to 9216 on all ports.

Disables unicast storm.

Enables spanning tree portfast on ports connected to EqualLogic arrays.

Configures flow control on all ports.

Note: Spanning tree portfast must be manually configured for host facing ports. Refer to Section 3.6.

console#configure

console(config)#iscsi enable

Enabling iSCSI Optimization will enable Flow Control which may cause all the

interfaces to temporarily go down.

Are you sure you want to continue? (y/n) y


3.4 Enable flow control



console#configure

console(config)#flowcontrol receive on



Are you sure you want to continue? (y/n)y



3.5 Configure Jumbo MTU for all ports



console(config)#system jumbo mtu 9216

console(config)# exit

3.6 Configure spanning tree portfast on edge ports

Note: If iSCSI optimization is enabled, spanning tree portfast is automatically configured on ports

connected to EqualLogic arrays. These manual steps must be performed on switch ports connected to

hosts servers.

console#configure

console(config)#interface range gigabitethernet all

console(config-if)#spanning-tree portfast


3.7 Save configuration console#copy running-config startup-config



Are you sure you want to save? (y/n)y

Note: The preceding procedure places all switch ports in the default VLAN. If you prefer to place ports in

a non-default VLAN, refer to the documentation for your switch.


Additional resources

Support.dell.com is focused on meeting your needs with proven services and support.

DellTechCenter.com is an IT Community where you can connect with Dell Customers and Dell employees

for the purpose of sharing knowledge, best practices, and information about Dell products and your

installations.

Referenced or recommended Dell publications:

Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide:


Dell EqualLogic Compatibility Matrix:


For EqualLogic best practices white papers, reference architectures, and sizing guidelines for enterprise

applications and SANs, refer to Storage Infrastructure and Solutions Team Publications at:

http://dell.to/sM4hJT

http://www.support.dell.com/

http://www.delltechcenter.com/



http://dell.to/sM4hJT

Documents

Dell Networking N2000 Series · Dell Networking N2000 Series Switch Configuration Guide for EqualLogic SANs Dell Storage Engineering May 2014 [email protected]